gimmick

[gim-ik]

See more synonyms for gimmick on Thesaurus.com

noun

an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.
a concealed, usually devious aspect or feature of something, as a plan or deal: An offer that good must have a gimmick in it somewhere.
a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance.

Electronics Informal. a capacitor formed by intertwining two insulated wires.

verb (used with object)

to equip or embellish with unnecessary features, especially in order to increase salability, acceptance, etc. (often followed by up): to gimmick up a sports car with chrome and racing stripes.

verb (used without object)

to resort to gimmickry, especially habitually.

Origin of gimmick

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; origin uncertain

Related formsgim·mick·er, noungim·mick·y, adjectiveun·gim·mick·y, adjective

Synonyms for gimmick

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1. stunt, plan, ruse, ploy; angle.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for gimmicky

contemporary, fashionable, fresh, modern, modernistic, new, novel, popular, unique, gimmicky, neoteric, new-fashioned

Examples from the Web for gimmicky

Contemporary Examples of gimmicky

The gimmicky stuff might get a laugh or two, but as for setting up successful sexytime/actual relationships?
Hook Up Apps Have Gone Too Far
Charlotte Lytton
March 7, 2014
Today we asked whether Ron Paul deriding Secret Service protection as "welfare" was gimmicky or insightful.
Poll Results: Ron Paul Has No Secret Service Protection Because He Can't Win
Noah Kristula-Green
March 21, 2012
In contrast, the anti-Romney commercials being aired by the Gingrich campaign are far more complicated, gimmicky, and petty.
Republican Political Ads in Florida: Why Romney's Are Best
Judith Grey
January 28, 2012
Rage shares that ambition, even though its release is gimmicky.
Jude Law in Drag
Caryn James
September 23, 2009
And he attacked the gimmicky politics of Washington in his opening remarks.
Obama's New Enemies
Richard Wolffe
July 23, 2009

British Dictionary definitions for gimmicky

gimmick

noun

something designed to attract extra attention, interest, or publicity
any clever device, gadget, or stratagem, esp one used to deceive
mainly US a device or trick of legerdemain that enables a magician to deceive the audience

Derived Formsgimmickry, noungimmicky, adjective

Word Origin for gimmick

C20: originally US slang, of unknown origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for gimmicky

adj.

1948, from gimmick + -y (2).

gimmick

1926 (in Maine & Grant's "Wise-Crack Dictionary," which defines it as "a device used for making a fair game crooked"), American English, perhaps an alteration of gimcrack, or an anagram of magic.